Mississippi State Alumni Play Key Roles in NFL Week 1 Matchups

More than two dozen Mississippi State University alumni are competing in the NFL during the opening week of the 2026 season. The Bulldogs have 24 former players and staff involved in league activities, according to MSU athletic communications.

Among the standout players are Pro Bowlers Chris Jones, Dak Prescott, and Jeffrey Simmons. MSU also boasts four first-round draft picks — Simmons, Sweat, Charles Cross, and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. — along with Super Bowl champions Cross, Jones, and Willie Gay Jr. Prescott earned the NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2016 and was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2022.

Several alumni are on practice squads, including running back Devon Booth (Colts), defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy (Packers), and linebacker Nathaniel Watson (Browns). Others have taken coaching roles or serve in front-office positions. Stephen Adegoke is the safeties coach for the Houston Texans, and Fred Walker is an offensive assistant for the Jacksonville Jaguars. K.J. Wright, a former Pro Bowler, works as the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers, while DeAndre Ward Sr. is an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills is also a MSU alumnus.

The NFL season kicked off with games scheduled from Wednesday through Monday. Week 1 matchups include the Patriots vs. Seahawks, 49ers vs. Rams in Australia, Bears vs. Panthers, and many others. Several MSU alumni are featured in these contests, including Charles Cross, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Montez Sweat, Jeffrey Simmons, and Dak Prescott.

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